Kailey Kulhanek, Texas A&M University, was awarded the Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year during the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program, held in conjunction with the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). This scholarship pays tribute to Frank Perdue’s commitment to guiding young individuals pursuing careers in the poultry industry. Perdue was a dedicated supporter of the College Student Career Program, enthusiastically participating in student interviews for many years. Maggie Love, North Carolina State University (NC State), was recognized in second place and Melissa Babinecz, University of Florida, was recognized in third place.

“We were incredibly impressed by the depth and quality of applicants for this year’s Student of the Year. It’s exciting to see the program continue to expand, creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of leaders in the poultry and egg industry,” remarked Kevin McDaniel, president and CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, treasurer for the USPOULTRY Board of Directors and chair of the College Student Career Program Advisory Committee.

Students also competed in Club of the Year and Scrapbook of the Year contests. NC State was awarded Club of the Year, recognizing the club’s year-long activities and community engagement. Ohio State University earned second place, while Pennsylvania State University placed third.

NC State also won first place in the Scrapbook of the Year contest.

The USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program is a premier, high-energy event that sets the standard for talent recruitment in the poultry industry. Over three dynamic days, companies connect face-to-face with exceptional students from across the country for interviews, networking and career-shaping opportunities — all under one roof. For more than 50 years, this program has fueled the industry’s talent pipeline, helping companies discover future leaders and launching countless successful careers in the poultry and egg industry.